Author Archive
Posted on March 13, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
The Diverse Wines of South Africa
There is a place on earth where two oceans collide and where New World wines meet with Old World standards. This tip of the world is known as South Africa, and it is home to some of the most diverse vineyard lands in the world.
South Africa’s rich heritage, is reflected in the diversity of their wines. The combination of maritime influences and dry climates combined with the unique and varied terroir of the different regions results in a plethora of wine styles that run the gamut from simple yet charming to powerful yet elegant.
Click here to read the review in this week’s Vine Guy column in the DC Examiner
Posted on March 13, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
Argyle Makes Wines with Soles
Texas native Rollin Soles is not your average winemaker. After attending the University of California at Davis, where he earned his Masters of Science in Enology and Viticulture, he set his sights on producing wines in Oregon, well before the state was known as a winemaking powerhouse.
In 1987, Soles co-founded Argyle Winery in the beautifully sculpted Willamette Valley in the northwestern region of Oregon. From the beginning, Soles has been dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture and ecological stewardship. Rollin insists, “Our biggest motivation is future generations and leaving behind vineyards and systems that are as healthy and strong as possible. At Argyle we try to think two generations ahead.” And it has paid off.
Check out this week’s Vine Guy reviews of Argyle Wines in the DC Examiner Newspaper
Posted on March 8, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
The Source is Where It’s At
I love this restaurant. I consider myself a knowledgeable foodie and a service snob and this place always rocks on both scales. From the moment you walk in, you know that this is a special place. There is just a vibe, a hum, a buzz about the place. The front of house staff is always friendly and accommodating.
But the food and the service are what really keep me coming back. Every… single… dish… is delicious. From the Tuna Tartar Cones to the Lamb Lettuce Wraps to the Crispy Pork Belly, every starter just revs up your palate for the entrees to come. I personally love the Wok Fired Whole Fish – it’s fileted tableside and served with a couple of different sauces. The Short Ribs and Noodles is also a huge hit. For a party of six, we usually get four appetizers and four entrees and share the love around the table. And just to show that the staff is really paying attention, if a particular appetizer comes with four pieces, they upgrade the order to make sure that there are enough pieces for everyone in your party to enjoy their own sample. Thoughtful.
Lastly – make room for desserts! I am not big on desserts at restaurants… I’d rather have a cheese plate and a glass of wine, but The Source has such an interesting array of sweet endings, it would be a shame to pass them up. And to prove how bright the staff continues to shine, the Sommelier offered to pair a dessert wine with my Rice Pudding and nailed it right on the head. When I want to relax, enjoy a great meal and feel right at home, I always consider going right to “The Source.”
Crispy Whole Wok Fired Fish
Posted on February 20, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
The Sicilian Wines of Planeta
The Planeta family have been farming the volcanic rich soils of Sicily for some time, however, their entry into the wine world is less than two decades old. Today, the Planeta wine organization includes six unique vineyard locations totally 900 acres and involves over a dozen Planeta cousins. The family’s meticulous attention to detail has resulted in award-winning wines that express distinctive characteristics from the various sites throughout the island.
Click here to read all about the ecologically friendly – and delicious – wines from Planeta
Posted on February 13, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
WTOP Wine of the Week – Rosés for Valentine’s Day
Sparkling Rosé wines are just that Cupid ordered for Valentine’s Day! And just like the ubiquitous nature of love, sparkling rosé wines can be found in just about every wine grape growing in the world. Best of all, many sparkling rosés are a relative bargain and can be found in plentiful supply.
Click here to listen to my wine recipe for love on this week’s WTOP Radio Wine of the Week segment
Posted on February 10, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
Roses May be Red, But Rosés Are For Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, there is no better wine to celebrate new love with – or the love you already share with someone – than with a bottle of bubbly. But not just any sparkling wine. For the day of love, one should chose a special wine that adds color as well as style for this year’s day of love. Sparkling rosé wines are just what Cupid ordered.
Click here to read this week’s Vine Guy recommendations in the Washington, DC Examiner
Posted on February 3, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
Super Wines for the Super Bowl
The 46th annual Super Bowl is crawling towards television sets poised in homes and sports bars across the country and around the world. Here are a few ideas that will please a diversity of palates while leaving enough money in your wallet to still buy a few picks in the office pool.
Great picks for the Super Bowl – DC Examiner Newspaper
Posted on January 28, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
The Best Wines Made From Grapes You’ve Never Heard Of!
If you are really open to expanding both your proverbial wine horizon as well as your palate, discovering the history behind tasty, lesser known varietals can be its own reward. After all, there are over 200 fairly common unique grape varietals from which wine is produced, and probably another three or four hundred varietals of wine grapes that many of us have simply never heard of.
Click here to listen to my recommendations on WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week
Posted on January 21, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
There’s No Place Like Rhone
Many wine regions that have their own distinctive personalities. Napa drips with big, rich cabernet sauvignons. Burgundy seduces with its pinot noirs. Tuscan wines crave Italian cuisine. And Rhone wines wrap you in a warm blanket.
Click HERE to listen to my recommendations on WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week
Click HERE to read the entire article in the DC Examiner Newspaper Vine Guy column
Posted on January 21, 2012 - by The Vine Guy
Virginia Named One of 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations For 2012.
Yes Virginia – there really is a wine country, and according to this month’s Wine Enthusiast magazine, Virginia has been named one of the 10 best wine travel destinations for 2012. Virginia was listed as only one of three domestic wine regions that are considered an ideal place for wine lovers to visit in 2012. The article cites Virginia’s rich history, natural beauty and friendly winemakers as some of the many reasons to visit the region.
Click here to hear the details on WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week
Click here to read about what wineries to visit in Virginia in the DC Examiner Vine Guy column
-
Gallery
-
